Patriots Four Linemen: Bill Belichick Borrows from Chip Kelly, Nick Saban

We know the Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has a deep phone book for contacts in the coaching ranks. Possibly his most successful protege is the University of Alabama's head coach Nick Saban.

The Patriots ran a play with four offensive linemen three times against the Ravens, including one big gain on a pass to tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, which we broke down here.

I drew a connection with the play set-up between Belichick and Eagles head coach, and friend of Bill, Chip Kelly, who ran an off-balance offensive line against Washington in Week 1 of 2013.

Turns out, we don't have to wind the clocks that far. Per BarStool Sports (h/t Tyler Haley), the pass to Hooman was the exact same as one that Saban and Alabama ran this year in the college ranks.

While the Patriots had to dig deep to come out with a win against the Ravens, they just opened up chapters worth of plays that future opponents will have to review.

So thanks, Coach Saban.